ㅋㅋㅋ
kkk[kxɯkxɯkxɯ]
The English phrase 'lmao' can be expressed in Korean using ㅋㅋㅋ (kkk).
ㅋㅋㅋ is an abbreviation used in informal text messages to show that something is very funny. The number of characters used often indicates the intensity of laughter, with more characters generally implying more laughter.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ㅋㅋㅋ is strictly used in informal digital communication like texting or gaming and should not be used in formal writing or with superiors.
How do you pronounce it?
kkk
When do people say it?
In Korean, if you want to express amusement or laughter in a polite manner, it is more appropriate to use 웃겨요. Other ways to express laughter include 정말 웃겨 (Really funny!), 너무 웃겨 (Too funny!), 하하, 웃겨 (Haha, so funny!) and 하하, 개웃기다 (Haha, it's so funny!).
Did you know?
- The phrase 개웃기다 uses the word 개 meaning 'dog' as an intensifying prefix, similar to how English speakers use 'hella' or 'super'.
- In Korean digital culture, using only one ㅋ can sometimes come across as sarcastic or mocking rather than genuinely amused, as if you are giving a dry, single laugh.
- While ㅋㅋㅋ mimics the sound of laughter, Korean users often substitute it with ㅎㅎㅎ to convey a softer, more gentle or polite giggle.
Examples in context
- 그 영상 진짜 ㅋㅋㅋgeu yeongsang jinja kkkThat video is so funny kkk.
- 아 진짜 웃겨 ㅋㅋㅋa jinja utgye kkkAh, that's so funny kkk.
- 너 방금 한 말 ㅋㅋㅋneo banggeum han mal kkkWhat you just said was hilarious kkk.
Example conversation
Two friends are chatting on a messaging app about a funny meme.
- 수빈 Su-bin이 짤 좀 봐 ㅋㅋㅋi jjal jom bwa kkkLook at this meme kkk.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo와 진짜 웃기다 ㅋㅋㅋwa jinja utgida kkkWow, that's really funny kkk.
- 수빈 Su-bin현우 너도 웃기지? ㅋㅋㅋhyeonu neo-do utgi-ji? kkkHyunwoo, you find it funny too, right? kkk
- 현우 Hyeon-woo응, 너무 웃겨 ㅋㅋㅋeung, neomu utgye kkkYeah, it's so funny kkk.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ㅋㅋㅋ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
